Brutal Massacres and Crimes That Will Not Be Forgotten: April 9th Reveals the True Face of the US-Saudi-Emirati Aggression
April 9th stands out as one of the days that encapsulates the magnitude of the tragedy endured by Yemenis under the weight of the US-Saudi-Emirati aggression. The events of this day, spanning years, reveal a recurring pattern of crimes that directly targeted civilians and extended to infrastructure and essential services.
From mosques to homes, from water sources to airports, a systematic policy is evident, aimed at breaking the will of the Yemeni people by striking at the very foundations of life.
2015: Targeting Places of Worship and Service Infrastructure
In one of the most egregious crimes of this day, the aggression’s warplanes targeted a mosque and residential neighborhoods in the city of Amran, resulting in the martyrdom of five citizens and injuries to more than 15 others, in a blatant violation of the sanctity of places of worship.
The airstrikes also targeted vital infrastructure in Saada Governorate, including water reservoirs and their associated supply networks, as well as Saada Airport and gas and electricity stations, in a clear attempt to cripple the infrastructure and deprive citizens of basic necessities.
The airstrikes extended to the capital, Sana’a, and several other governorates, leaving dozens of victims and causing significant damage to public and private property.
2016: Massacres Against Civilians and Targeting of Residential Areas
This year witnessed a marked escalation in the targeting of civilian gatherings. The aggression’s warplanes targeted a gathering of marginalized people in the Al-Rawd neighborhood of the Al-Rabee’i district in Taiz, resulting in a large number of casualties.
A horrific crime was also committed against an entire family in the Al-Dhabab area, where their home was targeted in an airstrike that killed five people, including women and children, in a scene that reflects the nature of the direct targeting of civilians.
Airstrikes continued on residential neighborhoods in Taiz, causing widespread damage, while simultaneously targeting areas in Al-Jawf and Ma’rib, resulting in significant destruction of homes and property.
2017: Targeting Vital Infrastructure and Intensified Airstrikes
This year, the Saudi-led coalition targeted prominent civilian facilities, including the new terminal building at Sana’a International Airport, causing extensive damage to the airport’s infrastructure.
Sa’dah Governorate also witnessed one of the most intense waves of bombing, with the districts of Al-Dhaher and Baqim subjected to a series of heavy airstrikes. Simultaneously, areas in Hajjah, Taiz, Ma’rib, and Lahj were targeted, reflecting an escalation in the scope of military operations.
2018: Massacres of Women and Children and Targeting of Cities
This year witnessed one of the most heinous crimes, in which 12 members of a single family, including women and children, were killed when their home in Taiz was targeted. This crime exemplifies the direct targeting of Yemeni families.
In Saada, aerial and artillery bombardment continued, resulting in casualties, including children and women. Saada city itself was also targeted, injuring a number of civilians, including female students.
2019: Bombardment Continues, Targeting of Residential Areas
The crimes continued this year, with mercenaries targeting residential neighborhoods in Hodeidah with missile and artillery fire, causing significant property damage and perpetuating the suffering of civilians in conflict zones.
2020: Military Escalation and Widespread Bombardment
The year 2020 witnessed a significant escalation, with artillery targeting the city of Al-Durayhimi and neighboring villages, resulting in casualties. Warships also participated in shelling populated areas.
Furthermore, the aggression’s warplanes launched a series of raids on Hajjah, Amran, Al-Bayda, Al-Jawf, and Marib, in addition to intensive shelling of border areas in Saada, as part of a comprehensive escalation policy.
2021-2023: Continued Crimes and a Perpetuated Pattern of Targeting
In recent years, the aggression has continued to target civilians. A citizen was killed by Saudi forces in Saada, and airstrikes continued on several governorates, including Marib, Al-Jawf, and Al-Bayda.
Artillery shelling of residential areas also continued, coinciding with an escalation in the use of reconnaissance aircraft and the establishment of new military fortifications in Hodeidah and Taiz, indicating the continuation of the aggression.
A Comprehensive War Targeting the Land and People
April 9th reflects a stark picture of the years of aggression, where crimes are repeated in the same patterns, targeting the Yemeni people in their daily lives, their livelihoods, and their infrastructure.
These documented crimes form an indelible part of the national memory, confirming that what Yemen has endured was not merely military operations, but a comprehensive war targeting the land and its people, met with the unwavering resilience of a people who confront the aggression with an unbreakable will.